Life

16 Sweet Reasons to Race IRONMAN Kalmar

Sweden's host of one of the most popular races on the circuit will delight you. Here's why.

by Megan Evoe

Home to IRONMAN Kalmar, Kalmar, Sweden is one of the most vibrant and energetic cities to play host to 140.6 miles. Located on the beautiful and mysterious Baltic Sea, Kalmar has something to offer everyone, from the historic monuments and museums, to the kid-friendly activities, to decadent dishes. Once the hidden gem of IRONMAN racing, Kalmar continue to draw in athletes from all over the globe for this unique event.

"The people of Kalmar are warm and welcoming and because the town of Kalmar stops for the race, everyone, literally, is on the streets," said pro triathlete and 2013 IRONMAN Kalmar champion, Pedro Gomes.

There are endless reasons that you and your family will love the IRONMAN-loving city of Kalmar and all it has to offer. Check out the 16 reasons that make Kalmar a sweet summer stop, and enjoy one of the most enthusiastic crowds and finish lines in the sport.

1. Crazy crowds. Kalmar turns from quaint and quiet to bursting and boisterous as the triathlon rolls into town. You’ll never feel alone on the course thanks to the 100,00 spectators throughout the day to smother the streets. The people of Kalmar go above and beyond your average cheering section as they create their own "party streets" draped with fake finish lines to encourage athletes to keep moving as they dance in their gardens. "Ironman Kalmar is very unique by its crowds," said Gomez. "You hear that every race in Europe has a tremendous crowd, but in Kalmar it just seems larger, better, and louder."

2. Sunny days. Expect lots of sunshine bursting through the clouds on race day and all of the days you stay in Kalmar. With the average temperatures around 68 degrees for this August dandy, you can expect to need your sunscreen but not melt like butter while enjoying the outdoor beauty of this history-filled town.

3. First-timer friendly. Are you ready to put your mind and body to the test and race your first IRONMAN in 2018? If so, there’s no better race for a novice than Kalmar’s somewhat forgiving course. With average temperatures quite comfortable, you shouldn’t have to worry about overheating or shivering through the race. The swim is known to be calm and friendly, while both the bike and the run ensue on mostly flat roads. Most helpful are the thousands of supporters encouraging you on through every mile of the course. You’ll never feel alone or uninspired as you finish your first 140.6 miles.

4. Little big city. For the last three years in a row, Kalmar has been voted Sweden’s Summer City of the Year by the readers of the Swedish travel site, Reseguiden. Although it has the opportunities of a large city, Kalmar has the charm of a small town. When hitting the downtown streets, plan on checking out the art, shopping, and entertainment that surrounds you at every turn. With everything nearby, it’s easy as pie to walk around the cozy streets of Kalmar.

5. Fan favorite. Since it’s inauguration in 2012, IRONMAN Sweden quickly garnished awards and praise from its participants. In 2016, the race won the IRONMAN Athletes' Choice Award for "Best Post-Race Celebration" and the award for "Will Recommend to a Friend," race. Clearly, the athletes have spoken.

6. Planes, trains, and automobiles. There’s no wrong way to arrive in Kalmar. If you are already in Sweden, the trains are a great way to get to the city quickly and scenically. With the local airport only 4 miles away from the city, it’s easy to get to and around in a rental car. If public transportation is your cup of tea, you’ll have no problem finding your way into the city by the easily accessible public transportation systems. Grab a cab or bus and start enjoying the city sites in no time.

7. Sleep tight. An advantage to Kalmar being a rather small city is that everything race-related is within a quick walk. When it comes to overnight accommodations, there is no shortage of availability during race week. The Best Western Kalmarsund is a hotel many athletes have found accommodating as it is within walking distance to both registration and transition. Whether you want to rent a house or apartment, stay in a hotel, or camp out in the fresh air, there’s a place to rest your head based on your preference.

8. Can’t-miss castle. The Magic Kingdom has nothing on the historic Kalmar Castle. Go back in time and learn the history of the legendary castle, which stretches back over 800 years. Built in the 12th century, it’s present appearance dates from the 16th century, when the Vasa kings rebuilt it in the style of a Renaissance palace, with furnishings in the continental manner. You’ll be just in time for the castle’s 2018 seasonal exhibition, The Fashion of the Medici: A World Exhibition of Paper. Don’t miss one of Europe’s most significant and stunning creations, located on the coast of Kalmar.

9. Magnificent museums. Before the race, it might be fun to give your nerves a break and check out two of the most interesting museums in Kalmar. Starting with the Kalmar County Museum, where there are a wide variety of exhibitions and guided tours as well as permanent exhibitions on the Royal Ship Kronan and the artist Jenny Nyström, mainly known for her illustrations of Christmas and Santa Claus. Another must-see stop is the Kalmar Art Museum, known for art and design throughout Kalmar County. The collections cast light upon the development of art and design during the 19th and 20th centuries through the present day.

10. More than meatballs. Anyone who has been to IKEA probably thinks Swedish food is all about meatballs, but you are sadly mistaken. Known for many dishes with meat or fish as the centerpiece, Kalmar is a hub for spectacular restaurants with innovative dishes.

11. Rare racing. There’s no better way to start your IRONMAN race than with a unique swimming experience, like the one in Kalmar. Athletes will start their swim strokes in the youngest sea on Earth, the Baltic Sea, which formed just 10,000 years ago from retiring ice masses. Rarely are the waters in the Baltic Sea rough, so plan on having a smooth and speedy swim, while thousands of local fans cheer you on from the beach in this epic experience.

12.Island hopping. Your biking legs will never be happier as they glide along the flat, Baltic Sea’s coastline of Kalmar, across the four-mile Olandsbron, or "road bridge," over to the island of Oland. Plan to hear cheers from the summer holiday-goers as you ride along Sweden’s second largest island, pass the famous Borgholm Castle as well as the Great Alvar, known for its sprawling limestone planes that are home to rare orchid species.

13. Run like the wind. There’s no better way to wrap up IRONMAN Kalmar than with a flat, fast run course. Even if speed isn’t part of your racing strategy, the stunning course views won’t disappoint. Enjoy your run as you cruise through central parts of Kalmar as the enormous crowds provide a burst of energy as you head into the epic finish line party that awaits on the main square.

14. I need a hero. Whether you are an athlete or a spectator, everyone is well aware of the grit and tenacity it takes to complete an IRONMAN. The people of Kalmar are no exception and they have managed to create, what many call, the best finish line of all IRONMAN races. They have deemed the final finishing hour as the "Heroes' Hour," and stay out, in full force, lining the final part of the run with wall to wall cheering fans. It’s unlike anything you will ever experience and will make finishing even that more meaningful.

15. Best buns. You might want to wait until after race day to try the mouth-watering "kanelbulle," better known as a cinnamon roll. However, there is nothing ordinary about these tasty treats. Made from lightly sweetened, leavened bread dough known as vetebröd, they can also be flavored with cardamom, saffron, and vanilla. These spices are a common feature in Swedish baking and are said to have been brought back when Vikings first traded in Istanbul.

16. Family Fun. Kalmar is the perfect summer race for the whole family, thanks to the abundance of week-long race events and surrounding attractions. Count on hours of live music to entertain you and the family as you visit the athlete’s village throughout the week. The kids will have a blast playing in the Children’s Corner in IRONMAN's Family Zone in the host hotel. The entire family will feel the love as they attend the athlete’s banquet in the athlete’s garden before the race. You can also visit Kalmar's largest playground Sagolandet Farm where you can see rabbits, cows, chickens, sheep and horses.

Megan Evoe is a freelance sports journalist and lifelong athlete. She lives in Boulder, Colo. with her husband, Patrick, and two children.